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Does a 2008 Dodge Sprinter have a Mercedes engine?

Yes, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter does have a Mercedes-Benz engine. The Sprinter is a commercial van that was developed and manufactured by Daimler AG, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, and was sold in North America through the Dodge brand.


The Dodge Sprinter and its Mercedes-Benz Roots


The Dodge Sprinter was introduced in the United States in 2001 as a replacement for the Dodge Ram Van. It was based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, a commercial van that had been sold in Europe since 1995. The Sprinter was designed and engineered by Mercedes-Benz, and the engines used in the Dodge Sprinter were also sourced from Mercedes-Benz.


The 2008 Dodge Sprinter was available with two engine options, both of which were Mercedes-Benz diesel engines:



  • 2.1-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 154 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque

  • 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel engine, producing 188 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque


These engines were the same as those used in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter models sold in Europe at the time. The Dodge Sprinter also shared many other components with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, including the chassis, suspension, and transmission.


Why Did Dodge Use Mercedes-Benz Engines?


Daimler AG, the parent company of both Mercedes-Benz and Dodge, decided to sell the Sprinter van in North America through the Dodge brand. This allowed Dodge to offer a larger, more capable commercial van than the traditional Dodge Ram Van, while leveraging the engineering and design expertise of Mercedes-Benz.


Using the Mercedes-Benz engines in the Dodge Sprinter provided several benefits, including proven reliability, fuel efficiency, and performance characteristics that were well-suited for the van's intended commercial use.

What engine does the Mercedes Sprinter use?


The Sprinter relies exclusively on diesel power (save for the eSprinter EV, reviewed separately) in two strengths. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel rated for 168 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The optional high-output engine is rated for 208 hp and 332 pound-feet.



Does Mercedes own Dodge?


The Dodge brand continued through multiple ownership changes of Chrysler Corporation from 1998 until 2009. These included its merger with Daimler-Benz AG between 1998 and 2007. Chrysler was subsequently sold by Daimler-Benz to Cerberus Capital Management.



What model engine do I have?


You can find it in the lower corner of your windshield on the driver's side. Your VIN code is your vehicle identification number, and you can find your engine size by VIN. In the series of numbers and letters, the tenth from the left denotes the model year, and the eighth is the engine codes.



What is the life expectancy of a Mercedes Sprinter engine?


250,000 to 300,000 miles
Sprinter vans, with proper maintenance and best-driving practices, last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits, routes, and how diligent you are with routinely servicing your Sprinter, this estimation can dramatically decrease or extend.



Who makes Mercedes Sprinter engines?


Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz manufactures the diesel engines for the Sprinter.



How long do Dodge Sprinter engines last?


250,000 to 300,000 miles
Sprinter vans, with proper maintenance and best-driving practices, last anywhere from 250,000 to 300,000 miles. However, depending on your driving habits, routes, and how diligent you are with routinely servicing your Sprinter, this estimation can dramatically decrease or extend.



What engine is in a 2008 Mercedes Sprinter?


The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2008 comes in People Mover. The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2008 is available in Diesel. Engine sizes and transmissions vary from the People Mover 2.1L 5 SP Automatic to the People Mover 2.1L 5SP Automatic.



How do I know which engine my Sprinter has?


Mercedes Sprinter van engine codes
Your engine code should be stamped on the bottom of the engine and referenced in the owner's manual. If you're unsure of your engine code please call us.



What diesel engine is in the Dodge Sprinter van?


The premium Dodge Sprinter 2.7L in-line five cylinder Common-rail Injection Diesel Engine (CDI) is exactly what customers are demanding in a medium-duty commercial vehicle.



Are Dodge Sprinters and Mercedes Sprinters the same?


Why Is the Mercedes Sprinter Van Identical to Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter Vans? To avoid the tax, Mercedes started importing their Sprinter vans in pieces called CKD kits. Mercedes first would manufacture their trucks in Germany.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.